Many kids and adults have heard of the show “13 Reasons Why” (2017) released on Netflix. The show is based on a bestselling novel called 13 Reasons. Both the show and book are about a teen girl's retrospective look at reasons why she committed suicide, which she articulates in audio tapes and mails to 13 people on the day of her death. The book/show includes graphic discussion of rape, underage drinking, sexism, and survivor's guilt.

It is recommended to take this opportunity to talk to our kids - in a non-judgmental way.

Mental health experts have widely voiced their concern about the show since its March 31 premiere. The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) say the show could bring potential risks posed by the sensationalized treatment of youth suicide. They say they don't recommend that vulnerable youth watch the series.

The NASP points to research shows that exposure to another person’s suicide can be one of the many risk factors that youth struggling with mental health conditions cite as a reason they contemplate or attempt suicide.

Teens suicide is a major concern in today's society. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 10 and 24, according to the CDC. The CDC says each year, approximately 157,000 youth between the ages of 10 and 24 receive medical care for self-inflicted injuries across the U.S.

If your child/teen has watched the show or read the book, here are some issues you may want to focus on these Talking Points with your child.

- 13 Reasons Why is a fictional story based on a widely known novel and is meant to be a cautionary tale.

- You may have similar experiences and thoughts as some of the characters in 13RW. People often identify with characters they see on TV or in movies. However, it is important to remember that there are healthy ways to cope with the topics covered in 13RW and acting on suicidal thoughts is not one of them.

- If you have watched the show and feel like you need support or someone to talk to reach out.

- Talk with a friend, family member, a counselor, or therapist. There is always someone who will listen.

- Suicide is not a common response to life’s challenges or adversity. The vast majority of people who experience bullying, the death of a friend, or any other adversity described in 13RW do not die by suicide. In fact, most reach out, talk to others and seek help or find other productive ways of coping. They go on to lead healthy, normal lives. Suicide is never a heroic or romantic act.

- Hannah's suicide (although fictional) is a cautionary tale, not meant to appear heroic and should be viewed as a tragedy.

- It is important to know that, in spite of the portrayal of a serious treatment failure in 13RW, there are many treatment options for life challenges, distress and mental illness.

- Treatment works. Suicide affects everyone and everyone can do something to help if they see or hear warning signs that someone is at risk of suicide.

- Talking openly and honestly about emotional distress and suicide is ok. It will not make someone more suicidal or put the idea of suicide in their mind.

- If you are concerned about someone, ask them about it.

- Knowing how to acknowledge and respond to someone who shares their thoughts of emotional distress or suicide with you is important.

- Don’t judge them or their thoughts. Listen. Be caring and kind. Offer to stay with them.

- Offer to go with them to get help or to contact a crisis line.

Other points about TV Shows and suicide:

- How the guidance counselor in 13RW responds to Hannah's thoughts of suicide is not appropriate and not typical of most counselors.

- School counselors are professionals and a trustworthy source for help.

- If your experience with a school counselor is unhelpful, seek other sources of support such as a crisis line.

- While not everyone will know what to say or have a helpful reaction, there are people who do, so keep trying to find someone who will help you.

- If someone tells you they are suicidal, take them seriously and get help.

- When you die you do not get to make a movie or talk to people any more. Leaving messages from beyond the grave is a dramatization produced in Hollywood and is not possible in real life.

- Memorializing someone who died by suicide is not a recommended practice.

- Decorating someone’s locker who died by suicide and/or taking selfies in front of such a memorial is not appropriate and does not honor the life of the person who died by suicide.

- Hannah's tapes blame others for her suicide. Suicide is never the fault of survivors of suicide loss.

This blog was compiled/written for SBFC by Jamie Tompkins in Seattle and Dr. Greg Allen, LMFT (drgregallen.com) who is a licensed therapist in Hermosa Beach and Palos Verdes Estates. He is also Director of Freedom4U,(freedomcommunity.com) a South Bay youth non-profit organization with focus on creative arts, life skills, leadership and service.

The SBFC Empathy and Compassion Project

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